How To Explain Mesothelioma And Asbestos To Your Grandparents

Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.

These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.

What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.

Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a few instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.

Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.

The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.

A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.

Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.

Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.

The mesothelium is the lining for the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.

After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness where the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.

Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos litigation exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately diagnose you.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos case.

The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.

X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.

If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.

Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos case sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.

Treatment

Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.

It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Due to this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.

A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and determine if there is any lining thickening.

Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.